When Neurolutions set out to transform stroke recovery, they weren’t aiming for incremental progress. They were pursuing a breakthrough. Today, the company—now part of Kandu Health—is delivering just that: a first-of-its-kind device that allows stroke survivors to regain control of their arm using only their thoughts.
Yes, you read that right.
Neurolutions’ Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology interprets brain signals and translates them into movement. It enables new pathways to recovery for patients who have lost motor function due to stroke.
In 2021, they reached a major milestone: becoming the first BCI device to receive FDA de novo clearance. And behind this innovation is a team that has grown from academic research roots into a commercial operation based at CIC St. Louis.
The Move from Academia to CIC
Neurolutions began as a research project in Dr. Eric Leuthardt’s lab at Washington University in St. Louis. Once the initial proof-of-concept was validated, the team faced a common challenge—how to transition from an academic environment to a business operation without losing the proximity and connections that helped spark their innovation.
“We needed a space that was close to WashU but separate,” said Kelly Carr, Clinical Manager at Neurolutions. “That’s what led us to CIC initially.”
CIC provided the right balance: an independent, professional environment embedded in the Cortex Innovation District. Neurolutions joined CIC in 2017 with a single private office as they began their shift from research to commercialization. After a brief pause in office space in 2021 due to the pandemic, they returned to CIC in 2022 and expanded into four private offices to support an 80-person clinical trial. The ability to grow their footprint without disruption was a critical step in preparing their device for broader clinical and commercial use.
Flexible Space in the Heart of Cortex
Neurolutions’ work requires more than just office space. It demands an environment that can evolve with them, support patient needs, and reflect the credibility of their breakthrough technology. CIC St. Louis delivered on all fronts.
Located in the heart of the Cortex Innovation District—just minutes from Washington University, the Metrolink, and a vibrant mix of restaurants and shops—CIC offers more than just convenience. It’s part of a neighborhood designed for progress.
“The area keeps reinventing itself, with new restaurants and energy all the time,” shared Kelly. “CIC has added so much to this community.”
When Neurolutions returned to CIC in 2022, they expanded into four dedicated offices: two for patient sessions, one for technical support, and one for meetings, shipping, and inspections. CIC’s flexible office model made it easy to scale their operations as they grew.
Through CIC’s Passport program, Neurolutions also gained access to all other CIC locations; allowing them to build relationships with patients, providers, and partners in other regions, like Massachusetts, helping a small but growing company operate with the presence of a larger organization.
High-Touch Support for High-Impact Work
For Neurolutions, CIC’s impact goes beyond square footage. From day one, accessibility and patient experience have been central to their setup, and CIC’s staff has played a key role in supporting both.
“Most of our participants are wheelchair-bound or need accommodations,” said Kelly. “CIC offers easy parking, accessible bathrooms, and security support—things we couldn’t find elsewhere.”
The onsite team also helps with daily logistics.
“I don’t think I could have done it if there wasn’t a support staff there,” she added. “CIC staff would help me pack up 10 medical devices and hand them off to FedEx. They’d even alert me when one of our distinctive cases arrived.”
And it’s not just about operations. Small touches have made a big difference, especially during long patient sessions.
“We’re often working with individuals for four to five hours at a time, so having bananas, juice, and yogurt on-site made a big difference.”
From infrastructure to thoughtful extras and hands-on help, CIC offers the kind of high-touch support that allows teams like Neurolutions to focus on delivering high-impact care.
From accessible infrastructure to thoughtful extras and hands-on help, CIC offers the kind of high-touch support that allows teams like Neurolutions to focus on delivering breakthrough care.
More Than Office Space
One of the team’s most unexpected discoveries was just how collaborative the CIC community could be.
“A lot of places say they’re collaborative, but at CIC, people actually give. Whether it’s stamps, parking passes, or borrowing monitors, it’s just a really inviting environment.”
Beyond workspace, CIC fosters a sense of belonging through regular events, including Pride celebrations, women-centered gatherings, petting zoos, and more, that bring the community together.
Looking Ahead: Scaling with Confidence
With their large-scale trial nearing completion, Neurolutions is focused on analyzing results and scaling their device through commercial and insurance channels to bring this groundbreaking technology to more patients.
Kelly offers this advice to startups navigating similar growth who are also looking for office space:
“Know what you absolutely need, what fits in your budget, and go from there.”
As for CIC?
“It’s one of those rare places where you get out what you put in. For a startup or someone getting their feet wet, it’s invaluable.”
